Rep. Meuser: Recent remarks on arson attack were ‘mischaracterized’

WILKES-BARRE — U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser on Thursday said comments he made during a radio interview regarding the recent arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor’s residence were “mischaracterized.”

“Immediately following the attack, I reached out privately to the Governor to express my relief that he and his family were safe and publicly condemned the attack,” said Rep. Meuser, R-Dallas. “No matter our political differences, there is no place for violence of any kind in our society. The individual in custody is clearly deranged and solely responsible for his actions — a reporter mischaracterized my comments.”

Meuser went on to say, “What I said in a recent interview — and what I meant — is that the broader political rhetoric we’re seeing from both sides is dangerous. There have been two assassination attempts on President Trump. There have been violent attacks on Tesla dealerships. That doesn’t happen in a vacuum.”

Rep. Meuser said what frustrates him is when leaders make outrageous, false claims.

“Like the Governor stating President Trump’s policies would make Pennsylvanians go hungry,” Meuser said. “We now know his claims were entirely inaccurate, and the PA Department of Agriculture has millions of federal dollars to continue supporting food banks. That kind of rhetoric is reckless. When people hear things like that — just like when political opponents are labeled ‘fascists’ or ‘Nazis’ — it fuels hatred — especially when it is not condemned by political leaders. And hatred can lead to violence.

“That’s the point I was making. It’s not helpful. It’s irresponsible. And it’s something that needs to stop — from both sides of the aisle.”

Shapiro issues a renewed call to stand against violence

When Gov. Josh Shapiro was asked by a reporter on Wednesday, “[Rep. Meuser] said that the lawsuits and falsehoods that you are spreading about Donald Trump are contributing to this political climate. Do you have a response to that?” he answered, “He said that? Look, I’ve said for years — leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity. It would appear that the Congressman failed to measure up to that.”

Gov. Shapiro on Thursday reiterated his earlier statement that “this kind of violence has no place in our society.”

He said: “After the assassination attempt on the President in Butler, I said, in Altoona, after we captured the individual who shot and killed the U.S. health care CEO; and I said on Sunday that this kind of violence has no place in our society, regardless of what motivates it.

“This is not how we resolve our differences, and this is not okay.”

Gov. Shapiro said this level of violence has to end, and “it has to be roundly condemned by everyone, both political parties, people from all different walks of life. It’s not okay.”

A news release stated: “The Governor reiterated his commitment to leading with strength, faith, and unity through this trying time, and praised the quick and courageous response from first responders.”

Gov. Shapiro said it wasn’t clear at the time what the motives were of the arsonist, but “nothing he could do would deter me from doing my job as Governor — nothing he could do would deter me from proudly and openly practicing my faith.”

Shapiro added, “I know that there are people out there who want to ascribe their own viewpoints as to what happened here and why. I know there are people out there who want to adopt their own political viewpoints or their own world views as to what happened and why. I choose not to participate in that.”

Update on Governor’s Residence restoration efforts

Following an assessment on the impacts of the recent attempted homicide and arson attack at the Governor’s Residence, Department of General Services (DGS) Secretary Reggie McNeil provided an update.

“DGS has set an aggressive restoration and construction schedule that will have us welcoming the public back to the residence as soon as possible,” McNeil said. “This will require round-the-clock work by our dedicated teams and contractors — a challenge DGS is ready and equipped to meet. As a result of that quick work, the living quarters and the workspace at the Governor’s Residence will be ready to be reopened within the next few days.”

McNeil said DGS is also working with Pennsylvania State Police on potential upgrades to the building’s security and safety features.

“DGS leadership is actively engaging with residence staff as well as the various contractors and vendors participating in restoration efforts to ensure steady and timely progress,” McNeil said. “We will continue to provide updates to the public as this work advances, particularly as we get closer to welcoming the public back to the Governor’s Residence.